Project Manager, Engineering Safety Certification

Under direction, assists with the development, implementation, and management of the FTA Safety and Security Certification (SSC) process for Infrastructure Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Assists CTA engineers, contractors, and relevant internal departments during all phases of a project to ensure the Safety and Security Management Plan (SSMP) and Safety and Security Certification Plan (SSCP) are effectively implemented. Ensures SSC related requirements are included in all contract documents as applicable to all phases of a project. Serves as the focal point for information and resolution of issues regarding safety-related technical documents and the SSC process between CTA engineers, contractors, and relevant internal and external departments. Ensures all requirements are documented, adhered to, and reflect the organization’s safety culture goals.


Qualifications

SALARY

$110,872.59

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the SSC process for the Infrastructure Division CIPs. Works with contractors, DORs, CTA departments, and stakeholders to ensure the certification process is documented properly and adhered to by CTA Engineering, contractors, and manufacturers as applicable.
Assists with the development of project specific Certifiable Elements and Items list (CEL/CIL) and tracks them through closure.
Provides assistance to contractors and CTA departments with the development and update of SSC related documents. Required documentation may include: Design Criteria Conformance Checklist (DCCC), Hazard Analysis (PHA and OHA), Construction Specification Conformance Checklist (CSCC), Contract Specifications and CTA’s design criteria.
Reviews all verification documentation for each certifiable element to ensure compliance to contract requirements. Performs compliance audits at various stages of the projects.
Assists with and/or develops Service Activation Plans (SAP) for all cutovers to include facility, bus, and rail systems.
Performs field inspections & issues Temporary Use Notices (TUN) for all items that are put into service. Tracks outstanding items to completion.
Prepares final safety certification upon project completion.
Works with CTA engineering to review and revise safety and security related specifications and design criteria based on risk mitigation and the System Safety Program Plan. Provides necessary changes and recommends approvals to management.
Analyzes data and summarizes outputs.
Assists with the preparation of reporting to and from management.
Provides recommendations to eliminate or mitigate safety-related problems.
Acts as a liaison between contractors and external agencies to include: the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), etc.
Maintains project specific SSMP and SSCP.
Participates in and administers project specific Safety and Security Certification Review Committees (SSRC), to include preparation of meeting agenda and minutes.
Maintains all SSC related documents that identify on-going project performance towards established goals for certification.
Participates in design, SSC, quality, and safety meetings as required in order to be familiar with each project and requirements.
Responds to FTA assessor’s comments and recommendations regarding plan content.
Coordinates with contractors and various CTA departments to develop and administer multi-level training programs related to safety and security matters. Ensures all required entities receive training as applicable to include the Chicago Police and Fire Departments.
Assists in preparing safety-related training materials.
Maintains records of training provided.
Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

None

CHALLENGES

Keeping abreast of all CTA, State and Federal requirements, and industry best practices regarding safety.
Utilizing change management principles in solving theoretical or practical problems.
Administering safety as it relates to project demands.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Safety Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field, plus three (3) years of experience in implementing and managing programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Training or Certifications include, but not limited to, Transit Safety Institute Certification for Rail System, Training or Certification related to Fire Life Safety Systems, and training or Certification for Safety Management Systems
Valid Illinois Driver’s License (DL)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer key boards.
Must be able to walk the right-of-way (elevated structure, ballast, and subway) in all weather conditions.
Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of methods and principles in planning and project management.
Strong computer skills, especially MS Office
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong leadership, coordination, analytical and decision making abilities.
Strong research, attention to detail, and problem solving skills.
Basic critical thinking skills to assess risk identification and mitigation.
Ability to lead, motivate, build consensus, and organize all facets of job responsibilities.
Ability to read engineering drawings and comprehend specifications and process plans.
Ability to apply versatility, judgment, and perception to problems.
Ability to communicate and work in a team setting.
Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, contractors, and project personnel.
Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment.
Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area and works various days and hours as assigned.
Works outdoors, in or near shop/garage/terminal areas and on elevated, ballasted, and subway track areas adjacent to energized contact rail and moving trains.
Subject to prevailing weather conditions when conducting field surveys.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

Standard office equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Additional Details
Please note, employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.

Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Applicants, if hired,must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, ****** orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

Primary Location: USA-Illinois-Chicago
Job: Engineering
Job Posting: Jul 25, 2025, 4:21:58 PM
Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)

United States
Illinois
Chicago Show on map Get directions